Soundgarden releases 'Live to Rise' - first new song in 16 years

View full sizeAP File Photo | CHRIS PIZZELLOChris Cornell, of the band Soundgarden, performs during the launch of the video game, "Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock," in Los Angeles.

Sixteen years is a long time to wait for a new Soundgarden tune.

"Live to Rise," which will be included on the "Avengers Assemble: Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture" soundtrack, is the band's first new song since the release of 1996's "Down on the Upside."

The band did put out the previously unreleased song "Black Rain" in 2010, which was packaged with the video game "Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock." It was the band's first single since 1997.

"Live to Rise" opens with a gut-punching guitar riff that immediately pulls you into the song. However, the tune is very reminiscent of the band's "Down On the Upside" days; more of an emphasis on melody, with acoustic guitar overlays and singer Chris Cornell flexing his vocal muscles in a less growling manner.

"Live to Rise" will be included on the band's upcoming studio album, which is set for a fall release. In the meantime, you can pick up your copy of "Avengers Assemble" soundtrack when it hits store shelves May 1.

"The Avengers" smashes its way into theaters May 4.

You can listen to "Live to Rise" by clicking on the arrow below. Let us know what you think of the song by leaving a comment.